Encl (2) to COMDTINST 16010.8
Vessel Traffic
Why We Act
As U.S. ports are squeezed by larger volumes of maritime and recreational vessel
traffic, the impact of the closure of a major waterway on commerce in and around these
ports becomes even more significant. A vessel grounding in a major waterway will impact
major vessel movements, passenger vessel operations, recreational users, barge traffic,
and even begin to affect local and national rail and truck transportation services.
Coast Guard efforts are key to facilitating the movement of commerce within our ports
and waterways. As such, the Coast Guard has the role of coordinating the prevention of
and responding to these major waterway incidents as we strive to preserve America's
waterways as freeways of commerce and recreation and provide every American safe and
efficient access.
Key Factors
Training, planning, preventative maintenance and other human factors continue to play a
central role in many accidents. Collisions, allisions, and groundings can all generally
be traced to inadequate vessel management, poor navigation, or failure to maintain a
proper watch. The high volume of maritime traffic in our ports and waterways leaves
little room for error, and makes every mistake potentially dangerous. Obstructions,
shoaling, and poor channel markings, less than optimal bridge span placement or design,
and low visibility weather also compound the risk of accident.
Strategies
In addition to the extensive visual and radionavigation systems it maintains, the Coast
Guard coordinates safe and efficient movement of traffic through Vessel Traffic Services
(VTS). These units serve as an extra aid to mariners in navigating though congested and
difficult ports and waterways. The Coast Guard seeks to reduce human error in mobility
accidents through people- focused training and education efforts. We develop and enforce
standards for navigation, manning, and training. We also aggressively enforce the
International Safety Management Code that concentrates on human factors that cause
mishaps. The Coast Guard also uses technology to reduce incidents. Our Ports and
Waterways Safety System (PAWSS) Project will include a Universal Shipborne Automatic
Identification System that will identify vessels by type and name. This will minimize
waterborne traffic conflicts and collisions. These shipboard transponders will be a
major component of the Coast Guard's VTS in New Orleans, a particularly congested and
difficult waterway area.
Coordination
The Coast Guard works closely with the Army Corps of Engineers to provide effective
navigation aids for channel dredging and infrastructure projects. The Coast Guard also
coordinates with the Maritime Administration on shoreside infrastructure projects
through venues such as the Interagency Committee for Waterways Management. Pilot
associations and private traffic services provide assistance that complements Coast
Guard vessel traffic service functions. The Coast Guard, in cooperation with private
industry, promotes the Prevention Through People initiative which takes a people-focused
approach to reducing collisions, allisions, and groundings
30 Mobility